Vascular malformation

Vascular malformation is a general term that includes congenital vascular anomalies of only veins, only lymph vessels, both veins and lymph vessels, or both arteries and veins. Vascular malformations are always present at birth, even if they are not visible.

Types

There are several types of vascular malformations, including:

• Venous malformation: These are the most common type of vascular malformation. They are composed of ectatic veins with a single layer of endothelial cells. They can occur anywhere in the body and can cause pain, swelling, and skin changes.

• Lymphatic malformation: These are malformations of the lymphatic system. They can be macrocystic, microcystic, or a combination of both. They can cause swelling and deformity, and can be associated with overgrowth of the affected limb.

• Arteriovenous malformation: These are fast-flow lesions that can cause high-output heart failure, bleeding, and skin changes. They are often associated with a bruit or thrill.

• Capillary malformation: These are also known as port-wine stains. They are flat, pink to red lesions that can occur anywhere on the body. They can be associated with other syndromes, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a vascular malformation is often made with a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies. Imaging studies that may be used include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of vascular malformations depends on the type of malformation and the symptoms it is causing. Treatment options may include surgery, sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and embolization. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.

See also

• Hemangioma
• Angiogenesis
• Vascular disease

Vascular malformation Resources
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